Advice please on approaching retailers.

[Teatox]

Hi

I am looking for some help and advise please. Apologies in advance for my waffle!!

I have a product (detox teas) that I currently sell worldwide via my website which I setup two years ago. I also have some overseas retailers and distributors that contacted me directly and now buy in bulk from me.

I am now ready to start approaching UK retailers and distributors in regards to stocking my products. It has taken me two years to get to this point purely for the fact that I felt a good business foundation was vital. My turnover is very good, my company has over 80k followers on social media and we have been featured in numerous blogs and magazines including vogue.

I have also created a retail only version of my product which will not be sold on my website which hopefully will be beneficial to retailers.

My issue is this. I do not have the time or the know how to approach retailers. I also do not want to approach "big retailers" at this point and again would prefer the foundation of a number of smaller independents first.

I guess what I'm asking is what kind of sales person do i need? Do I need a field sales rep or would it be better to start with somebody to email/call potential retailers? I know how vitally important it is to get this part right!!

I currently run all aspects of the business with my partner and although I'm sure I could muddle through doing this myself I'm certain that this is the point where an expert is needed!

Any advise would be great. Thank you

 

[Vending Siting Services]

If you are wanting to approach the smaller independent retailers then I would suggest using someone in the field, visiting sites face to face with your offering and samples together with telephone and email contact. Do you plan on keeping it local or national?

Kind regards,

Barbara

 

[Teatox]

Hi Barbara and thank you for your reply.

We are looking to supply nationally. Any ideas where the best place would be to start looking for somebody suitable for this?

Many thanks
Darren

 

[Vending Siting Services]

Hi Darren

To start with, my advice would be to employ someone or use the services of a sales individual to contact companies/retailers on your behalf to get some orders in. That is easily done, will be quick and you limit your exposure to just the time that you have bought. Employing an individual to go 'repping' is expensive and may be worth considering later on.

I offer timed call campaign slots for many companies and individuals who want to expand their businesses offering their products/services B2B - I do have 25 years experience in cold calling companies offering services and products. Feel free to call me if you wish to discuss.

Kind regards,

Barbara

 

[Teatox]

Hi Barbara

Thank you for the reply. It would be great to have a chat tomorrow to discuss this more.

Many thanks

Darren

 

[Vending Siting Services]

Ok Darren. If I could ask that you call either first thing, around 9am or around 4pm which would be good for me. I do have a full diary during the day for my call campaigns.

Many thanks.

Barbara
01476 552375

 

[Teatox]

Will do Barbara. Thank you

 

[hipwuk]

Firstly - congratulations for getting this far! Secondly, I absolutely LOVE what you are doing (and will actually buy some teas from you!). Wellbeing is such a huge subject at the moment and, according to my PR sources, will only get bigger (think coconut water).

Have you tried approaching Planet Organic or Wholefoods? A friend of mine also sells a health product, and supplies both companies, as well as Selfridges and Harvey Nichols. Planet Organic are apparently quite easy to deal with, and I think you'll have a good shot at Harvey Nichols. Waitrose are always looking for more unique and artisan-y stuff, and your teas could be right up their street.

 

[Teatox]

Thank you very much for the post, I really appreciate it! If you would like some teas please let me know and I will be sure to sort a discount for you.

I will look into the suggestions made and again appreciate you taking the time to put the message on.

Many thanks

Darren